Reborn From Oblivion

After mulling it over, Nellie finally said, "If he won't agree to a divorce, I guess I'll have to take it to court."

Lizzy chimed in, "But dragging a divorce through the courts is a long slog. You hate him, but you'd have to see him constantly. Wouldn't that be pure agony?" Suppressing a wave of physical and emotional discomfort, Nellie replied, "Maybe I should just sit him down and have a real talk."

She decided to call Cameron after 9 p.m., knowing he'd likely be free around then. The phone barely rang twice before it was picked up.

"Hello? Who's calling?" came a sweet voice that could only belong to Greta.

Nellie hesitated for a moment, then said, "Put Cameron on, please."

Greta seemed flustered, recognizing her sister's voice. It took her a while to respond. Finally, she managed, "Nel, what do you need with Cameron?"

Nellie replied with a hint of sarcasm, "Do I need to check in with my sister every time I want to talk to my husband? Aren't you sticking your nose in a bit too far?"

Greta struggled to remain calm, "Nel, I was just asking. No need to get so worked up. Sorry, Cameron's in the shower. He'll call you back soon."

Nellie warned, "Greta, if Cameron doesn't call me back, I'll post a recording of you two's little affair online tomorrow."

It seemed Nellie's threat hit home because it took less than half an hour for Cameron to call back.

As soon as Nellie answered, she was met with Cameron's angry voice, "Nellie, have you lost it? How dare you make your sister cry?"

Nellie calmly held the phone away from her ear, waiting for his yelling to subside before speaking again.

"Cameron, I've sent you the divorce papers. When can we go to the registry office to finalize this?" Nellie's voice was steady, unaffected by his tirade, showing neither anger nor the sorrow of a collapsing marriage. Cameron was taken aback.

He had always thought Nellie's talk of divorce was just a bluff, a ploy to grab his attention.

"You're serious?"

Nellie frowned, "Cameron, I'm busy. I don't have time for your back-and-forth games."

Silence hung in the air for what felt like ages.

Finally, Cameron spoke, his frustration evident, "Nellie, I thought leaving you to fend for yourself for two years would make you appreciate what we had. But now you want out even more?

Think carefully. Who else would want you after a divorce?"

"Cameron, anyone who truly loves me won't care about my past. Besides, I have nothing to be ashamed of in this marriage. You're the one who messed up. If there's any justice in the world, you should face the consequences. Why do you think I can't find happiness?" Cameron was left speechless.

"Nellie, if we divorce, you'll end up with nothing. I won't give you a dime," he threatened through gritted teeth.

Nellie let out a laugh, "Cameron, I used to think I couldn't survive without you. But it turns out that even without your meager support, I've been doing just fine. These past two years have been the best of my life. I don't have to tiptoe around you or cater to your family. It's been the most freeing experience ever."